Rope and cable holder



Nov. 23 1926, 1,608,229

R. LANGHORST ROPE AND CABLE HOLDER Filed April 26, 1926 Patented Nov. 23, 1926.

RICHARD LANGHOEST, 11911511 5, DZ-3:10.

ROPE AND CABLE Application filed April 216,

My invention is an improvement in rope and cable holders and relates more particularly to such a device, whereby an end of a clothes line, for example, may be supported, adjusted and securely held in the desired position.

One of the objects of my invention is to construct a device of the above named character for supporting one end of a clothes line or other rope or cable, whereby the line may be drawn tightly and securely held in such tightened condition, yet may be quickly and easily released from the holder.

Another object of. invention is to construct a device of the above named character which may be pivotally attached to an object, such as, for instance, a door or window frame for receiving the free end of a rope or cable, and which is provided with means to prevent accidental displacement of the line after the latter has been adjusted to the desired position.

Another objectof my invention is to construct device of the above named character, which may be pivotally supported by an object, such as a door or window "frame, so that the rope or cable receiving member is movable throughoutan arc of approximately 180 for receiving the free end of a rope or cable lying in a plane radially of such are.

Another object. of my invention is to construct a rope and cable holder which is extremely simple of construction and inexpensive to manutacture,and consisting of a minimum number of working parts, whereby the useful life of the device may be greatly prolonged.

In the drawings. forming a part of this specification andwhich are illustrative of several embodiments of my invention. like characters are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my invention shown pivotally. supported from an object.

Fig. 2 is a similar but opposite side elevational view, showing the rotor element locked against movement in one direction.

Fig. 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a section taken on line 1- 1 of Fig. 3, and showing in elevation one half of the rotor element.

Fig. 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 3, showing the opposite half of the HOLDER.

1926. Serial No. 104,684.

rotor element in elevation and its supportin shaft 111 section, and,

Fig. 6 is a view similar to 5, showing a second modification of one part oft-he rotor element.

be seen by referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 1. that the frame 5 is substantially arcuate in shape, its respective ends terminating in downwardly projecting supporting pins 6 which are inclined slightly inwardly downwardly from the adjacent frame portions upon which they are formed and seat in suitable screw eyes or other suitable sockets 7, secured to an object, such as a door or window frame 8. When the frame 5 is pivotally supported by the pins 6 from the support 8, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the frame will be prevented from being upwardly displaced due to the inclined position of the pins with respect to the sockets 7 and the frame 5. 1

Formed integrally with the frame 5 and substantially -miclway between the ends thereof is a rotor supporting stud 9, while a second stud 10 is formed on the frame 5 adjacent on its ends. The stud 10 pivotally supports a dog and counter we ht which will be more fully disclosed hereinafter.

The rotor over which the rope or cable 11 passes consists essentially of two similar disc-like members 12 and 18, respectively,

each having a central openinn ld, so that when the discs are assembledtogether as shown in Figs. ,1 to 3, inclusive, the rotor thus formed may be rotatably supported upon the stud 9. The disc sections 12 and 13 may be secured together in any suitable manner, such as for instance, by suitable bolts 15 passing through the sections near the cental opening and secured in place by nuts, the discs being countersunk to receive the bolt heads and nuts.

As shown more clearly in Fig. 3, each of the disc sections 12 and 13 is substantially flat on one side as at 16, the other side being slightly convex as at 17, so that when the discs are assembled together with their con vex surfaces adjacent each other,a pulleylike rotor is formed, having an annular and rather deep substantially xi-shaped groove.

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It will be noted that the points of greatest thickness in each of the discs are adjacent the wall of the central opening 14 and consequently the points of contact between the discs will therefore be confined to the area adjacent the walls of the opening i l, thereby insuring a deep groove defined by the adj acent convex faces 17.

The rotor freely rotates on the stud i) and is prevented from accidental removal from the stud by a pin 18 which is inserted between adjacent rows of staggered lugs 19 formed on the end of the stud 9, the pin being of greater length than the diameter of the stud 9, so that its ends will extend beyond the periphery of the stud. After the pin 18 has been inserted between the lugs, the lugs are tapped slightly with a hammer, or the like, until they engage the pin as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

Referring now more particularly to F i and 5,"i:n which I have shown the convex faces of the respective discs in elevation, it will be noted that I have formed ridges 20 by grooving the faces 17 at regular intervals as at 21. i

In the present embodiment of my invention, I have *formed the ridges 20 by grooving the convex faces of the discs at regular intervals, each groove beginning ata point on the convex surface not far removed from "theopening 14c and extending outwardly to ward the ,peripheryof the disc in a path defining an arc. Each of the grooves 21 is shown as increasing uniformly in width and in depth from its innermost point'22 toward the periphery of the disc, but it is to be iniderstood that I may provide grooves which ClGCl'GHSB'Hl width and depth uniformly V or non-uniformly as may be desired, or I may provide grooves which increase in width and depth non-uniformly throughout their length. It will be noted then that the ridges 20 thus formed between adjacentgrooves vary in width and depth througlr out their length, the general arrangement of the ridges being-that of a number of spirals being PIOJGCtQCl outwardly from an imagigrooves 21 being directly opposite each other and forming rope or cable gr pping surfaces on the opposed walls of the V shaped slot. Although I have shown the respective grooves and ridges of the discs 12- and 13 directly opposite. I may secure the discs together, so that the grooves of one disc will bedisposed-opposite to the ridges of the other disc. It is to be noted further that when the discs 12 and 13 are assembled together upon the stud 9 in the proper position, the ridges 20 of both discs will be disposed as shown in Fig. l, that is, to the right from the upper periphery of the disc toward the center of the disc. One of the purposes of disposing the ridges in this position is to afford a more positive grip upon the rope or cable 11 which passes over and between the adjacent ridged discfaces and to feed are normally engaged by a dog 25 pivot-ally mounted upon the stud 10, when the rope 11 is being fed over the rotor and adjusted to the desired tension. 'The dog 25 is provided with an extension or stop 26 which is engaged by a wall 27 of a recessfornied in the counterweight 28. This counterweight 28 is also pivetally mounted upon the stud 10 and is movable throughout part. of its swing independently of the dog 25 as shown in Fig. 2. ld hen the counterweight 28 is swung forwardly and downwardly sufficiently to engage thestop 2G, and a slight pull is given the free end of the rope, the counterweight will cause the dog 25 to be lifted from the path of the ratchet teeth 24 until the upper surface of the dog abuts against a stop 29 forn'ied on the frame 5 as shown in Fig. 1. Vihen it is desired to again engage the dog with the ratchet teeth, theoperat-or grasps the counterweight 2S and lifts it to the po sition shown in Fig. 2, thereby permitting the dog to assume the JOSltlOILSllOWITlZl Fl 2. It will be noted thatthe weight 28, when in this position, rest-s againstanother surface of the stop 29 as at 30. I have utilized means toprevent removal of the members 25 and 28 which is similar to that used in prestood that the stop may assume other shapes.

As shown in Fig. 1, this stop engages the free end of the rope 11 and serves to feed that end toward the center ofthe rotor.

It willbe noted that the frame 5 which substantiallyarcuate in shape contributes to tit) a much more simplified and sturdy construction and will to a great extent prevent wabbling and noisy rotation of the pulley or rotor.

Although the members and 28 may be constructed of various materials, I prefer to employ cast iron for these parts, the weighting of the member 28 being accomplished by increasing the mass of metal at the desired point or by attaching weighted pieces.

In Fig. 6 I have illustrated a modification of the rotor used in connection with my invention which consists of providing apposed discs similar in some respects in construction to those disclosed in the first embodiment of my invention, except that each of the ridges 35 and grooves 36 formed on the convex surfaces of the respective discs extend in a line tangent to an imaginary circle concentric with the stud 9. The grooves in this embodiment extend outwardly from the point of contact with the imaginary circle toward the periphery of the respective discs and vary in depth and width as they extend outwardly. As in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, the ridges in this second embodi- Inent provide rope gripping surfaces on the adjacent disc faces. In the present embodiment, each of the grooves 36 extends in a substantially straight line touching the imaginary circle at but one point.

In use, the device may be pivotally supported from an object such as a door or window frame by screwing screw eyes or the like 7 in place and then inserting the pins 8 of the frame in the respective eyes as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A rope or cable, as, for example, a clothes line 11, having one end fixed to a support (not shown) is passed over the rotor, so that it rests within the V groove and its free end is brought around under the rotor and rests upon the stop 38, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It will be noted in this connection that a plane passing be tween the discs at their point of mutual. contact will likewise pass through the vertical axes of the pins 6 regardless of the position of the frame 5. Since the dog 25 is in the position shown in Fig. 2, a downward pull on the free end of the rope, as at 0, will rotate the rotor and cause the rope in contact with the rotor to seek the innermost position within the V groove, the dog 25 travelling over the ratchet teeth and finally locking the rotor against movement in the opposite direction after the rope has been put under the desired tension. The ridges formed on the discs as herein before explained are arranged to feed the rope toward the axis of the rotor when a force in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 4C is applied to the rope, and since the rotor is locked against rotation in the direction of the arrow, a force applied to the rope tending to pull it in the direction of the arrow will not cause slippage, due to the fact that the ridges or 85, as the case maybe, firmly grip the rope and as such force is increased, so also will the grip on the rope be increased. 7

When it is desired to release the r'o 7e from the device, it is only necessary for the operator to tilt the counterweight 28 forwardly as in Fig. 1 and give a slight pull on the free end of the rope, thereby releasing the dog from the ratchet teeth 2%, whereupon the free end of the rope may be lifted from engagement with the stop 33 and lifting its free end upwardly to the rear of the rotor.

Although I may construct the rotor of any suitable material, I prefer to employ a light .metal such as aluminum.

It is to be understood that various changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts of my invention without departing from the spirit thereof or the scope of the subjoined claims.

lVhat is claimed is: V

1. In a device of the class described, a frame, and a rotor carried by said frame, said rotor being grooved annularly to re ceive a rope, the adjacent walls of said groove having spirally arranged ridges to prevent relative movement between the rope and the rotor.

2. In a device of the class described, a frame, and a rotor carried by said frame, said rotor being grooved annularly to receive a rope, the adjacent walls of said groove having oppositely disposed ridges to prevent relative movement between the rope and the rotor.

3. In a device of the class'described, a frame, and a rotor carried by said frame, said rotor being grooved annularly to receive a rope, said rotor having a central opening, the adjacent walls of said groove having ppositely disposed ridges extending from points not far remote from the central opening to the peripheries of the adjacent walls. r r a 4. In a de'ice of the class described, a frame, and a rotor carried by said frame, said rotor being grooved annularly to receive a' rope, said rotor having a central. opening, the adjacent walls of said groove having oppositely disposed ridges spirally arranged and extending from points not far remote from the central opening to the peripheries of the adjacent walls.

5. In a device of the class described, a frame, said frame being pivotally supported from an object, a rotor carried by the frame,

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said rotor being grooved annular-1y to receive a rope, the adjacent walls of said annular groove having oppositely disposed ridges formed thereon to prevent relative movement between the rope and the rotor.

6. In a device of the class described, a frame, said frame being pivotally supported from anobject, a rotor carried by the frame, said rotor being grooved annularly toreceive a rope, the adjacent walls of said annular groove having ridges formed thereon to prevent relative movement between the rope and the rotor and releasable means carried byt-he frame for preventing rotation otthe rotor in one direction.

7. In a device of the class described, a frame, said frame being pivota llysupported from an object, a :rotor carried by the wirame, said rotor beinggroovedannularly to receive a rope, the adjacent walls of said annular groove having oppositely disposed ridges formed thereon to prevent relative movement between the rope and the rotor, and means normally engaging the free end of the rope for increasing the area of contact between the free end of the rope and the lower adjacent rotor wall when the rope is in operative position on the rotor.

8. In a device of the class described, a frame, said frame being pivotally supported from an object, a rotor carried by, the frame, said rotor-being grooved annularlyto receive a rope the adjacent walls oi said annular groove having ridges formed thereon to pre vent relative movementbetween the rope and the rotor, a dog pivotally carried by said frame, and ratchet teeth formed on one of the peripheral walls of said groove for engagement by the dog to prevent rotation of the rotor in one direction, and a counter weight for releasing the dogtrom engagenent with the rigid teeth.

9. In a device of the class described, a frame and a rope receiving rotor carried thereby, said frame being swivelly supported from an object-and capable of swinging throughout and are of approximately 180, said frame consisting of an arcuately shaped body terminating at its ends in downwardly and slightly inwardly projec ingsupporting pins whereby said frame may be swivelly supported.

10. In a device of the class described, a

' supper supporting pins whereby. the frame may be swivelly supported from an object, and a rotor carried by the frame substantially, midway of its ends, said :rotor being grooved annularly to receive a rope, the adjacent walls of said annular groove having ridges formed thereon to prevent relative movement between the rope and the rotor,

11. In a device of the class described, a frame substantially arcuate in shape, its ends tern'iinating in substantially parallel ting pins whereby the frame maybe swivelly supported troman object, and a retor carried by the frame substantially1midwvay of its ends, said rotor being grooved annular-lay to receive a rope, ,the adjacent walls of said annular groove having spirally arranged ridges termed thereon to plevent- ,relative movement between the rope and the rotor. a

12. In a device of the class described, a frame substantially arcuate in shape, its ends terminating in substantially parallel supporting pins whereby the frame may be swivclly supported :iirom an object, and a rotor carried by the frame substantially midway oi? its-ends, said rotor being grooved annularly to receive a rope, the adjacent walls otsaid annular groove having spirally arranged ridges oppositely disposed on the respective walls to prevent relative movement between the rope and the rotor.

13. In a device of the class described, a frame substantially arcuate in shape, its ends terminating in substantially parallel supporting pins whereby the {frame mayibe swivelly supported from an object, and a rotor carried by the frame substantially midway of its ends, said rotor being grooved annularly to receive a rope, the ad acent walls ol 'said annular groove having spirally arranged ridges oppositely disposed on the respective walls to prevent relative movement between the rope; and :the rotor, and releasable means carried by the frame and engaging the rotor to prevent movement of the rotor in one direction.

In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix my signature this 20th day of April, 1926.

RICHARD LANGHORST 

